be_v say_v to_o have_v dye_v in_o faith_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o have_v embrace_v they_o many_o age_n before_o the_o time_n be_v come_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o then_o for_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o grace_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o what_o transcendent_a thing_n it_o have_v do_v in_o ancient_a time_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o by_o which_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o great_a and_o famous_a action_n record_v of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o other_o worthy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v all_o owe_v to_o their_o faith_n by_o faith_n they_o please_v god_n bear_v up_o against_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o world_n subdue_v kingdom_n and_o wrought_v righteousness_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o the_o high_a discouragement_n many_o instance_n he_o give_v we_o of_o these_o noble_a flight_n of_o faith_n among_o which_o there_o be_v none_o in_o all_o 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of_o his_o faith_n and_o affiance_n in_o he_o the_o text_n call_v it_o a_o trial_n which_o imply_v that_o god_n command_v abraham_n to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n for_o have_v it_o be_v a_o freewill_n offer_n without_o any_o order_n or_o direction_n from_o god_n such_o as_o the_o heathen_a oblation_n be_v when_o they_o sacrifice_v their_o child_n to_o their_o idol_n it_o have_v be_v a_o plain_a and_o horrid_a act_n of_o murder_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a as_o some_o have_v fancy_v to_o clear_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o abraham_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o god_n shall_v dispense_v with_o the_o six_o commandment_n when_o he_o oblige_v the_o patriarch_n to_o kill_v his_o son_n because_o it_o have_v be_v murder_n to_o kill_v he_o without_o his_o command_n for_o that_o commandment_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o case_n before_o we_o forbid_v only_o to_o kill_v without_o god_n authority_n which_o abraham_n never_o go_v about_o to_o do_v and_o therefore_o need_v no_o dispensation_n for_o it_o he_o have_v a_o express_a commission_n from_o god_n who_o be_v absolute_a lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o never_o bar_n his_o prerogative_n by_o his_o law_n and_o may_v therefore_o use_v his_o power_n as_o he_o please_v and_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o innocent_a person_n as_o well_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o father_n and_o the_o fire_n upon_o the_o altar_n as_o by_o a_o infection_n in_o the_o air_n by_o lightning_n or_o tempest_n or_o any_o other_o messenger_n of_o death_n and_o thus_o moses_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n tempt_v abraham_n and_o bid_v he_o go_v and_o offer_v his_o son_n upon_o a_o certain_a mountain_n in_o moriah_n for_o a_o burn_a offer_v gen._n 22.1_o 2._o and_o herein_o lie_v the_o sharpness_n of_o abraham_n trial_n that_o either_o he_o must_v contend_v with_o god_n and_o dispute_v his_o authority_n or_o do_v the_o strange_a thing_n that_o ever_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o please_v he_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o case_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n demand_v of_o abraham_n as_o a_o test_n of_o his_o sincerity_n towards_o he_o and_o what_o plausible_a argument_n a_o person_n in_o his_o circumstance_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o frame_v against_o it_o 1._o first_o then_o god_n command_v he_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o surprise_v or_o unwelcome_a to_o he_o who_o ever_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o act_n of_o piety_n before_o of_o so_o hard_a a_o precept_n or_o so_o unlikely_a a_o way_n of_o please_a god_n as_o this_o what_o will_v a_o ordinary_a faith_n have_v do_v how_o will_v natural_a reason_n have_v plead_v in_o this_o case_n may_v not_o abraham_n himself_o be_v suppose_v to_o reason_n thus_o must_v i_o then_o lie_v aside_o all_o humanity_n and_o imbrue_v my_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o my_o own_o son_n must_v i_o forget_v that_o i_o be_o a_o father_n and_o destroy_v the_o life_n which_o i_o give_v do_v not_o nature_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o dutiful_a towards_o the_o offspring_n of_o our_o own_o bowel_n and_o be_v not_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n engrave_v upon_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o the_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v give_v i_o hither_o to_o condemn_v the_o action_n which_o he_o now_o command_v and_o though_o i_o know_v he_o be_v always_o just_a and_o good_a and_o will_v do_v always_o that_o which_o i_o know_v will_v please_v he_o yet_o how_o can_v i_o hope_v to_o please_v he_o by_o destroy_v his_o image_n in_o my_o own_o child_n what_o will_v the_o world_n say_v of_o i_o who_o profess_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o pure_a manner_n shall_v i_o pollute_v his_o altar_n with_o my_o son_n blood_n and_o do_v that_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a thing_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o his_o holy_a religion_n so_o harsh_a a_o command_n as_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o put_v not_o nature_n only_o but_o faith_n itself_o upon_o the_o stretch_n and_o be_v perfect_o new_a and_o arbitrary_a to_o fright_v man_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o this_o holy_a man_n have_v be_v the_o best_a example_n and_o the_o great_a promoter_n of_o 2._o but_o then_o god_n do_v not_o only_o command_v abraham_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n but_o his_o belove_a and_o only_a son_n isaac_n i._n e._n his_o only_a son_n by_o sarah_n the_o freewoman_n and_o true_a mother_n of_o the_o family_n which_o be_v to_o convey_v a_o universal_a blessing_n to_o mankind_n take_v now_o thy_o son_n say_v god_n thy_o only_a son_n isaac_n 22.2_o gen._n 22.2_o who_o thou_o love_v and_o get_v thou_o into_o the_o land_n of_o moriah_n and_o offer_v he_o there_o for_o a_o burn_a offer_v and_o this_o great_o increase_v the_o difficulty_n of_o abraham_n obedience_n that_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o demand_v not_o one_o out_o of_o many_o but_o his_o only_a son_n his_o isaac_n who_o he_o entire_o love_v the_o only_a joy_n of_o his_o mother_n and_o the_o only_a hope_n of_o the_o family_n which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o best_a figure_n of_o any_o other_o in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o may_v not_o abraham_n have_v say_v lord_n must_v i_o bereave_v myself_o of_o the_o child_n which_o nothing_o but_o a_o miracle_n of_o thou_o can_v raise_v out_o of_o my_o age_a loin_n must_v i_o take_v away_o a_o life_n for_o which_o i_o will_v glad_o exchange_v my_o own_o will_v not_o all_o my_o flock_n and_o herd_n afford_v a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o thou_o all_o these_o i_o will_v free_o offer_v instead_o of_o that_o innocent_a lamb_n in_o which_o all_o my_o earthly_a treasure_n and_o comfort_n lie_v let_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a and_o i_o will_v speak_v this_o once_o be_v not_o the_o life_n of_o sarah_n bind_v up_o in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o child_n how_o shall_v i_o answer_v the_o death_n of_o isaac_n to_o she_o or_o must_v i_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o two_o such_o death_n at_o once_o and_o when_o i_o have_v slay_v the_o son_n carry_v the_o kill_v tiding_n to_o the_o unhappy_a mother_n oh_o how_o great_a a_o straight_o be_v this_o good_a man_n drive_v into_o when_o he_o must_v either_o have_v forfeit_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o bereave_v himself_o of_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o strange_a act_n of_o obedience_n that_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o it_o 3._o another_o grand_a discouragement_n to_o abraham_n obedience_n be_v that_o his_o belove_a isaac_n be_v a_o son_n of_o very_o great_a and_o glorious_a promise_n which_o his_o untimely_a death_n must_v without_o a_o miracle_n frustrate_v the_o completion_n of_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o make_v he_o the_o father_n
but_o to_o treat_v of_o that_o which_o all_o the_o world_n be_v agree_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o world_n have_v have_v time_n and_o it_o seem_v have_v be_v no_o ill_a husband_n of_o it_o to_o wear_v off_o some_o of_o the_o very_o deep_a impression_n of_o this_o ancient_a commandment_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v indeed_o run_v the_o people_n into_o many_o gross_a mistake_n and_o conceal_v the_o best_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n from_o they_o by_o their_o false_a and_o frigid_a interpretation_n of_o the_o great_a commandment_n of_o god_n but_o to_o do_v they_o right_o they_o be_v much_o better_a expounder_n of_o this_o law_n than_o many_o of_o our_o modern_a christian_n who_o with_o pen_n of_o steel_n and_o in_o letter_n of_o blood_n be_v ready_a to_o justify_v that_o kill_v for_o honour_n be_v no_o murder_n and_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o prudence_n than_o of_o cruelty_n and_o disobedience_n when_o we_o be_v oppress_v with_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n to_o find_v the_o short_a way_n we_o can_v into_o the_o next_o and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o own_o life_n when_o they_o be_v less_o desirable_a than_o death_n itself_o these_o be_v the_o sentiment_n of_o man_n of_o very_o different_a complexion_n the_o former_a be_v general_o man_n of_o flame_n and_o spirit_n of_o a_o hot_a sanguine_a temper_n which_o be_v seldom_o reckon_v the_o best_a friend_n to_o a_o solid_a judgement_n the_o latter_a for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v of_o a_o melancholy_a constitution_n and_o while_o their_o understanding_n be_v cloud_v with_o that_o dark_a humour_n must_v needs_o stand_v but_o in_o a_o ill_a light_n to_o discern_v the_o truth_n but_o what_o ever_o their_o judgement_n be_v in_o other_o matter_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v clean_o forget_v the_o primary_n and_o most_o obvious_a meaning_n of_o what_o be_v say_v of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v which_o precept_n be_v express_v in_o very_a few_o word_n will_v require_v the_o large_a explication_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v undoubted_o lawful_a insome_a case_n to_o kill_v and_o these_o must_v be_v know_v before_o we_o can_v certain_o determine_v wherein_o thenature_n of_o the_o heinous_a sin_n of_o murder_n consist_v which_o all_o man_n agree_v to_o be_v forbid_v in_o this_o law_n for_o these_o reason_n in_o speak_v to_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o in_o what_o case_n it_o may_v be_v just_o suppose_v that_o kill_v be_v not_o forbid_v be_v this_o law_n 2._o what_o the_o sin_n of_o murder_n or_o the_o kill_v here_o forbid_v be_v 3._o wherein_o the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n consist_v and_o then_o i_o shall_v consider_v 4._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o to_o kill_v a_o rival_n in_o a_o quarrel_n of_o honour_n or_o to_o kill_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v grow_v weary_a of_o our_o life_n 1._o in_o what_o case_n it_o may_v be_v just_o suppose_v that_o kill_v be_v not_o forbid_v in_o this_o law_n life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o he_o bestow_v upon_o we_o as_o a_o thing_n sacred_a to_o be_v preserve_v for_o his_o use_n and_o not_o dispose_v of_o without_o his_o leave_n and_o pleasure_n 2.7_o gen._n 2.7_o it_o be_v he_o that_o breathe_v into_o man_n the_o breath_n of_o life_n and_o be_v absolute_a lord_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o he_o may_v resume_v it_o when_o and_o by_o what_o instrument_n he_o please_v and_o that_o there_o be_v crime_n worthy_a of_o death_n both_o the_o scripture_n and_o natural_a reason_n do_v assure_v we_o yea_o such_o crime_n their_o be_v as_o be_v they_o not_o sometime_o punish_v with_o death_n will_v sudden_o dash_v all_o human_a society_n in_o piece_n and_o bring_v the_o world_n into_o such_o confusion_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o live_n among_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v reasoanble_o presume_v that_o kill_v be_v not_o prohibit_v in_o all_o case_n for_o instance_n when_o a_o magistrate_n put_v a_o offender_n to_o death_n that_o be_v worthy_a of_o it_o in_o a_o regular_a course_n of_o justice_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o breach_n of_o this_o law_n he_o have_v his_o authority_n from_o god_n the_o spreme_a judge_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n he_o act_v as_o his_o minister_n by_o express_a commission_n from_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v innocent_a of_o all_o the_o blood_n that_o be_v shed_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n and_o hence_o st._n paul_n call_v the_o magistrate_n a_o terror_n to_o evil_a worker_n 4._o rom._n 13.3_o 4._o because_o he_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil._n nor_n have_v god_n only_o give_v a_o general_n commission_n to_o seize_v the_o forfeit_v life_n of_o great_a and_o heinous_a offender_n but_o in_o some_o case_n as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o murderer_n himself_o he_o particular_o command_v the_o use_v of_o this_o severity_n as_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o of_o equity_n and_o justice_n gen._n 9.6_o for_o who_o so_o shede_v man_n blood_n by_o man_n shall_v his_o blood_n be_v shed_v and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n kill_v in_o the_o war_n when_o the_o cause_n be_v just_a and_o the_o war_n necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o law_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n who_o set_v up_o king_n and_o government_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o common_a safety_n shall_v restrain_v they_o from_o draw_v the_o sword_n of_o war_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o preserve_v it_o the_o sword_n of_o prince_n be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a use_n of_o they_o be_v the_o protection_n of_o their_o subject_n from_o oppression_n and_o violence_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o and_o the_o advantage_n for_o a_o better_a life_n which_o the_o bounty_n of_o heaven_n have_v enrich_v they_o with_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n never_o go_v about_o to_o tie_v the_o hand_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n or_o state_n from_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sharp_a and_o last_o remedy_n in_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n nor_o be_v the_o gospel_n ever_o accuse_v for_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o throne_n upon_o this_o account_n there_o be_v no_o tribunal_n upon_o earth_n high_a enough_o to_o decide_v the_o quarrel_n between_o independent_a government_n and_o nation_n it_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o strong_a presumption_n when_o all_o amicable_a way_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n fail_v that_o god_n approve_v of_o the_o injure_a party_n appeal_n to_o he_o in_o the_o field_n of_o war_n as_o the_o supreme_a judge_n and_o guardian_n of_o right_n and_o innocence_n and_o by_o consequence_n a_o soldier_n that_o serve_v in_o a_o lawful_a war_n be_v not_o forbid_v to_o kill_v the_o enemy_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o country_n he_o be_v in_o this_o case_n a_o minister_n of_o divine_a justice_n be_v invest_v with_o authority_n from_o he_o to_o who_o vengeance_n belong_v these_o be_v public_a case_n in_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n over_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v manifest_o derive_v immediate_o to_o the_o sovereign_n and_o by_o he_o to_o inferior_a magistrate_n and_o dispenser_n of_o justice_n beside_o which_o it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o when_o a_o private_a person_n be_v desperate_o assault_v and_o in_o the_o necessary_a defence_n of_o his_o own_o life_n take_v away_o the_o invader_n he_o have_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o intent_n of_o this_o law_n every_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a right_o to_o defend_v the_o life_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o against_o he_o that_o shall_v attempt_v by_o unjust_a or_o illegal_a violence_n to_o wrest_v it_o from_o he_o this_o also_o as_o well_o as_o life_n itself_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o debt_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o giver_n of_o life_n to_o keep_v it_o for_o his_o service_n till_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v for_o it_o which_o he_o never_o do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o murderer_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o extremity_n that_o we_o can_v neither_o fly_v to_o the_o protection_n protection_n of_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o escape_v with_o our_o life_n with_o out_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o he_o that_o assail_v we_o if_o he_o perish_v in_o his_o wicked_a enterprise_n his_o blood_n will_v not_o be_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o public_a to_o lose_v a_o bad_a than_o a_o good_a and_o useful_a member_n and_o when_o the_o case_n be_v such_o
that_o one_o of_o they_o must_v fall_v by_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o both_o god_n and_o his_o miniter_n of_o jutice_n do_v agree_v in_o the_o same_o choice_n and_o by_o a_o virtual_a commission_n empower_v the_o innocent_a person_n to_o execute_v their_o vengenace_n upon_o the_o guilty_a and_o to_o slay_v the_o invader_n rather_o than_o be_v murder_v by_o he_o and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o law_n and_o be_v so_o of_o the_o roman_a which_o allow_v the_o kill_v of_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o day_n time_n si_fw-mi se_fw-mi telo_fw-la defenderit_fw-la if_o he_o offer_v to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o weapon_n and_o much_o more_o may_v we_o presume_v upon_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o save_v our_o life_n when_o we_o be_v assault_v with_o a_o mortal_a violence_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a after_o all_o our_o care_n to_o prevent_v and_o escape_v it_o that_o unless_o we_o immediate_o return_v it_o there_o be_v but_o a_o moment_n between_o we_o and_o death_n these_o be_v all_o the_o ordinary_a case_n in_o which_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o man._n there_o be_v one_o indeed_o of_o a_o more_o heroical_a nature_n which_o have_v fair_a pretence_n to_o the_o like_a immunity_n from_o this_o law_n viz._n when_o a_o man_n be_v cast_v into_o those_o circumstance_n that_o either_o he_o must_v yield_v up_o the_o life_n of_o his_o friend_n that_o be_v as_o his_o own_o soul_n or_o save_v it_o by_o take_v away_o his_o enemy_n from_o he_o but_o this_o case_n be_v liable_a to_o such_o infinite_a abouse_n and_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n that_o as_o the_o tenderness_n of_o our_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n show_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o lawgiver_n so_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o best_a light_n that_o can_v be_v give_v into_o it_o 2._o the_o second_o thing_n be_v to_o show_v what_o the_o sin_n of_o murder_n or_o the_o kill_v here_o forbid_v be_v by_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v that_o this_o law_n prophibit_v the_o bereave_v our_o neighbour_n of_o his_o life_n without_o authority_n justice_n or_o necessity_n enforce_v to_o it_o the_o instance_n of_o which_o be_v when_o a_o man_n of_o his_o own_o motion_n compass_n the_o death_n of_o another_o in_o a_o wilful_a treacherous_a revengeful_a or_o sportive_a manner_n or_o be_v accessary_a to_o it_o at_o the_o instigation_n of_o any_o person_n not_o invest_v with_o competent_a authority_n whether_o this_o be_v do_v to_o cover_v our_o shame_n or_o to_o heal_v what_o we_o call_v our_o honour_n or_o with_o respect_n to_o any_o convenience_n satisfaction_n or_o advantage_n to_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o do_v this_o by_o open_a assault_n and_o violence_n or_o by_o secret_a and_o malicious_a craft_n under_o the_o colour_n of_o religion_n or_o law_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o under_o the_o mask_n of_o night_n whether_o immediate_o by_o ourselves_o or_o by_o wicked_a instrument_n by_o purjury_n or_o poison_n by_o false_a suggestion_n evil_a counsel_n or_o enticement_n or_o any_o other_o mean_n or_o method_n tend_v to_o the_o untimely_a death_n and_o destruction_n of_o our_o neighbour_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o murder_n direct_o forbid_v in_o the_o six_o commandment_n the_o first_o and_o immediate_a design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v general_o of_o all_o other_o blessing_n the_o dear_a to_o he_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v high_o value_v because_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o enjoyment_n and_o advantage_n of_o do_v good_a at_o least_o in_o this_o world_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o now_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o god_n who_o forbid_v the_o kill_v of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o express_o command_v we_o to_o love_v he_o as_o ourselves_o do_v by_o consequence_n also_o forbid_v the_o kill_v of_o ourselves_o for_o we_o have_v no_o more_o power_n over_o our_o own_o than_o we_o have_v over_o the_o live_v of_o other_o men._n 2.10_o mal._n 2.10_o have_v we_o not_o all_o one_o father_n have_v not_o one_o god_n create_v we_o nad_z have_v he_o not_o create_v we_o after_o his_o own_o image_n the_o preservation_n of_o which_o in_o man_n be_v the_o manifest_a end_n and_o intention_n of_o this_o commandment_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o full_o under_o the_o last_o general_n 3._o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o murder_n it_o be_v general_o condemn_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o man_n as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a strain_n of_o wickedness_n and_o inhumanity_n and_o be_v indeed_o a_o crime_n of_o the_o large_a size_n and_o the_o high_a provocation_n of_o any_o against_o the_o second_o table_n of_o the_o law_n the_o very_a relation_n of_o the_o fact_n strike_v every_o innocent_a breast_n with_o horror_n and_o raise_v a_o mighty_a indignation_n against_o the_o murderer_n the_o mean_a while_n his_o own_o conscience_n pursue_v he_o and_o whither_o soever_o he_o fly_v his_o accuser_n witness_v and_o judge_n be_v with_o he_o the_o altar_n be_v no_o sanctuary_n to_o he_o for_o god_n who_o be_v great_a than_o his_o conscience_n hear_v the_o dreadful_a cry_n of_o his_o sin_n strong_o importune_v he_o to_o hasten_v down_o his_o vengeance_n upon_o he_o we_o have_v a_o instance_n of_o this_o in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v the_o voice_n of_o thy_o brother_n blood_n say_v the_o lord_n to_o cain_n cry_v unto_o i_o from_o the_o ground_n gen._n 4.10_o and_o it_o be_v observable_a how_o quick_a and_o severe_a a_o answer_n it_o receive_v 11_o 12._o verse_n and_o now_o be_v thou_o curse_v from_o the_o earth_n a_o fugitive_n and_o a_o vagabond_n shall_v thou_o be_v upon_o it_o nay_o the_o malignity_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v such_o that_o it_o difile_v the_o land_n where_o it_o be_v commit_v and_o leave_v a_o guilt_n upon_o it_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expiate_v but_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o murderer_n and_o therefore_o no_o sanctuary_n be_v provide_v for_o he_o in_o israel_n and_o if_o he_o flee_v to_o any_o of_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n he_o be_v thence_o to_o be_v take_v by_o the_o special_a command_n of_o god_n and_o immediate_o give_v up_o to_o justice_n thou_o shall_v take_v he_o say_v god_n from_o my_o altar_n that_o he_o may_v die_v exod._n 21.14_o and_o on_o this_o account_n god_n be_v say_v to_o make_v inquisition_n for_o blood_n 9.12_o ps_n 9.12_o i._n e._n to_o search_v out_o the_o shedder_n of_o it_o and_o to_o drive_v he_o out_o of_o all_o his_o refuge_n till_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o inexorable_a justice_n now_o since_o there_o be_v so_o terrible_a a_o outcry_n against_o the_o murderer_n since_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v so_o high_o incense_v against_o he_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v to_o punish_v he_o there_o must_v be_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a malignity_n and_o provocation_n in_o the_o sin_n which_o call_v so_o loud_a for_o so_o solemn_a a_o vengeance_n and_o wherein_o this_o consist_v will_v appear_v with_o the_o least_o glance_n of_o our_o thought_n upon_o these_o tarticulars_n 1._o that_o it_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o direct_o tend_v to_o extinguish_v his_o government_n in_o the_o world_n it_o snatch_v the_o sword_n of_o justice_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o employ'_v it_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o subject_n contrary_a to_o his_o declare_a will_n and_o most_o sacred_a prerogative_n every_o time_n this_o sin_n be_v punish_v in_o its_o kind_n two_o at_o least_o of_o his_o subject_n be_v cashier_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n the_o kingdom_n he_o have_v found_v among_o man_n it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a affront_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o it_o deface_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o man_n on_o this_o account_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o very_o great_a sacrilege_n as_o philo_n call_v it_o a_o rob_v god_n of_o that_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o represent_v he_o in_o this_o low_a world_n which_o approach_v the_o near_a in_o perfection_n to_o he_o be_v make_v for_o his_o own_o society_n and_o of_o all_o his_o work_n have_v the_o lively_a resemblance_n of_o divinity_n upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o when_o god_n pronounce_v sentence_n upon_o the_o murderer_n who_o so_o shede_v man_n blood_n 9.6_o gen._n 9.6_o by_o man_n shall_v his_o blood_n be_v shed_v he_o assign_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n make_v he_o man._n 3._o murder_n be_v a_o act_n of_o excessive_a mischief_n and_o cruelty_n to_o our_o neighbour_n the_o utmost_a wrong_n that_o
ourselves_o and_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o have_v as_o great_a obligation_n to_o the_o full_a to_o be_v tender_a of_o our_o own_o life_n as_o of_o he_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v murder_n to_o kill_v our_o neighbour_n it_o must_v be_v at_o least_o as_o great_a a_o crime_n to_o kill_v ourselves_o nay_o in_o some_o respect_n it_o exceed_v all_o the_o instance_n of_o inhumanity_n and_o vice_n and_o transcend_v the_o most_o cruel_a and_o cry_v sin_n for_o 1._o to_o kill_v ourselves_o be_v the_o most_o unnatural_a murder_n that_o can_v be_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o deep_o the_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n be_v plant_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o law_n in_o our_o mind_n teach_v we_o to_o abhor_v the_o destruction_n of_o ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v the_o best_a care_n we_o can_v to_o preserve_v our_o own_o life_n and_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o unnatural_a murder_n as_o the_o put_n of_o ourselves_o to_o death_n there_o be_v no_o natural_a union_n in_o the_o world_n so_o dear_a and_o intimate_v as_o that_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n nor_o any_o that_o have_v great_a interest_n depend_v upon_o it_o both_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o and_o the_o future_a state_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o voice_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n than_o the_o wilful_a destruction_n of_o it_o by_o the_o same_o person_n that_o be_v most_o near_o concern_v to_o preserve_v and_o enjoy_v it_o 2._o it_o be_v of_o any_o sin_n the_o most_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o save_a condition_n of_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o remedy_n for_o all_o other_o sin_n but_o this_o self-murder_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o that_o quick_a dispatch_n and_o that_o desperate_a nature_n that_o it_o leave_v a_o man_n no_o time_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o many_o other_o sin_n and_o may_v live_v to_o repent_v of_o they_o but_o he_o that_o murder_v himself_o be_v fure_z to_o die_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v hurry_v away_o in_o the_o reek_n and_o gild_n of_o his_o own_o blood_n to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n without_o allow_v himself_o time_n to_o ask_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o to_o purge_v his_o conscience_n from_o so_o deep_a and_o indelible_a a_o stain_n as_o this_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v be_v save_v without_o repentance_n as_o the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o we_o can_v not_o he_o that_o destroy_v his_o own_o life_n can_v be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o gospel-covenant_n because_o he_o die_v in_o a_o sin_n that_o can_v be_v repent_v of_o it_o be_v true_a god_n may_v have_v more_o mercy_n for_o sinner_n than_o he_o make_v we_o acquaint_v with_o which_o may_v be_v just_a enough_o to_o keep_v our_o hope_n alive_a at_o the_o death_n of_o such_o person_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o last_o revelation_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o infinite_a presumption_n in_o expectation_n of_o unrevealed_a grace_n to_o venture_v upon_o a_o sin_n which_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o truth_n that_o come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v too_o little_a to_o secure_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o these_o be_v great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o self-murder_n and_o i_o fear_v the_o excuse_n which_o be_v make_v for_o it_o will_v prove_v no_o better_o since_o they_o all_o centre_n in_o a_o high_a discontent_n at_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n no_o man_n offer_v to_o make_v away_o himself_o that_o think_v himself_o well_o in_o this_o world_n or_o that_o submit_v to_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v he_o as_o come_v from_o the_o just_a and_o overrule_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o for_o man_n to_o throw_v away_o their_o life_n in_o a_o pet_n and_o to_o grow_v so_o utter_o weary_a of_o they_o that_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o live_v a_o few_o day_n long_a or_o wait_v for_o god_n permission_n to_o depart_v in_o peace_n be_v a_o very_a high_a reflection_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o if_o he_o have_v thrust_v they_o into_o a_o world_n that_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o live_v in_o as_o if_o hey_n know_v better_a when_o and_o how_o to_o deliver_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n than_o he_o do_v as_o if_o god_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o their_o suffering_n or_o have_v leave_v it_o to_o their_o discretion_n to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o discharge_v themselves_o from_o his_o service_n when_o they_o please_v or_o have_v not_o provide_v a_o better_a world_n to_o requite_v they_o for_o it_o as_o if_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a recompense_n for_o their_o patience_n under_o the_o heavy_a affliction_n of_o this_o present_a life_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n this_o be_v so_o false_a and_o insolent_a a_o charge_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o spoil_v the_o best-designed_n action_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o can_v excuse_v so_o bloody_a and_o unnatural_a a_o one_o as_o self-murder_n be_v i_o shall_v close_v all_o with_o a_o caution_n or_o two_o concern_v this_o desperate_a &_o unnatural_a sin_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o those_o that_o have_v travel_v into_o foreign_a country_n that_o self-murder_n be_v far_o more_o common_a in_o this_o than_o in_o any_o of_o the_o nation_n about_o we_o 1._o first_o then_o let_v we_o be_v very_o cautious_a of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o have_v occasion_v many_o and_o some_o very_a serious_a person_n to_o despair_v of_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o anguish_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o fling_v away_o themselves_o into_o the_o dreadful_a abyss_n of_o eternity_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n that_o i_o know_v of_o from_o the_o gospel_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v no_o goodwill_n to_o any_o particular_a man_n from_o eternity_n and_o much_o less_o to_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n or_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v bind_v over_o to_o destruction_n with_o the_o iron_n chain_n of_o a_o irrespective_a decree_n or_o that_o christ_n die_v to_o save_v but_o very_o few_o of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n and_o methinks_v the_o effect_n which_o these_o and_o the_o like_a doctrine_n have_v have_v upon_o poor_a melancholy_a soul_n shall_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o recom_v they_o to_o any_o serious_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o narrow_a the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v or_o lay_v the_o damnation_n of_o man_n upon_o any_o thing_n but_o their_o own_o wilful_a opposition_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o lead_v to_o repentance_n 2._o it_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o cautious_a of_o all_o the_o method_n and_o degree_n of_o this_o sin_n such_o as_o pierce_v our_o heart_n with_o worldly_a care_n poison_v our_o health_n and_o surfeit_v our_o body_n with_o excess_n and_o die_v the_o martyr_n of_o intemperance_n or_o lust_n how_o many_o owe_v their_o death_n to_o the_o revel_n of_o a_o night_n drink_v away_o their_o reason_n and_o drown_v themselves_o in_o river_n of_o wine_n game_n high_a and_o when_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o money_n or_o engage_v their_o estate_n or_o honour_n sell_v their_o life_n to_o redeem_v they_o these_o man_n do_v as_o certain_o kill_v themselves_o and_o very_o often_o as_o sudden_o too_o as_o he_o that_o strangle_v himself_o or_o sheath_n the_o fatal_a poniard_n in_o his_o sob_a and_z despairin_fw-mi breast_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o die_v as_o a_o fool_n dyes._n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o the_o life_n he_o have_v lead_v or_o of_o the_o everlasting_a state_n he_o be_v launch_v into_o that_o man_n that_o be_v not_o fond_a of_o destruction_n and_o in_o love_n wih_o misery_n will_v venture_v his_o life_n and_o soul_n upon_o such_o hazard_n as_o these_o be_v there_o no_o other_o life_n than_o this_o a_o prudent_a man_n will_v not_o be_v prodigal_a of_o it_o but_o to_o throw_v it_o away_o at_o one_o cast_v or_o to_o stake_v it_o against_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o debauch_n when_o all_o eternity_n depend_v upon_o it_o be_v a_o astonish_a instance_n of_o the_o madness_n of_o folly_n oh_o that_o mean_v be_v wise_a 32.9_o deut._n 32.9_o that_o they_o understand_v this_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o latter_a end_n that_o in_o kindness_n to_o their_o soul_n which_o must_v live_v forever_o they_o will_v frequent_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o the_o serious_a thought_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n and_o not_o suffer_v their_o lust_n and_o
the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o flourish_a of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n in_o short_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o particular_o to_o that_o humble_a and_o teachable_a frame_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o meek_a and_o lowly_a jesus_n and_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o divine_a virtue_n and_o quality_n in_o they_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v in_o the_o last_o place_n 4._o to_o enforce_v the_o apostle_n exhortation_n by_o show_v what_o weighty_a reason_n and_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o be_v grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v you_o see_v as_o plain_a a_o duty_n as_o any_o the_o gospel_n urge_v and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a large_a and_o comprehensive_a one_o but_o our_o encouragement_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v we_o and_o to_o carry_v our_o endeavour_n successful_o through_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a exception_n against_o it_o especial_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n which_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n natural_o lead_v we_o to_o it_o be_v the_o very_o great_a condition_n the_o high_a and_o noble_a attainment_n we_o can_v possible_o aspire_v after_o holiness_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o all_o humane_a and_o angelical_a perfection_n so_o that_o every_o time_n we_o attain_v to_o a_o new_a degree_n of_o grace_n we_o acquire_v a_o new_a degree_n of_o honour_n and_o excellency_n the_o righteous_a say_v solomon_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n 12.26_o pro._n 12.26_o and_o the_o more_o righteous_a he_o be_v the_o more_o he_o advance_v in_o real_a worth_n and_o dignity_n above_o he_o the_o glory_n of_o conquest_n the_o enlargement_n of_o empire_n and_o the_o affectation_n of_o deep_a &_o curious_a knowledge_n be_v but_o childish_a and_o mean_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o a_o godlike_a temper_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n since_o therefore_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n lie_v in_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o exercise_v the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v room_n for_o improvement_n in_o the_o best_a of_o we_o we_o shall_v great_o neglect_v ourselves_o and_o stand_v in_o our_o own_o light_n if_o we_o shall_v not_o continual_o aim_v to_o grow_v better_a than_o we_o be_v and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o our_o good_a estate_n towards_o god_n depend_v upon_o our_o proficiency_n in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n we_o can_v argue_v strong_o from_o the_o first_o essay_n of_o goodness_n while_o our_o grace_n be_v weak_a our_o good_a resolution_n untried_a or_o our_o relapse_n frequent_v and_o while_o we_o slaken_o our_o diligence_n we_o shall_v be_v continual_o hover_v between_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o never_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o settle_a understanding_n of_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n but_o now_o no_o man_n doubt_n of_o his_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n while_o he_o study_v to_o please_v he_o and_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v offensive_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o his_o mind_n never_o trouble_v he_o while_o he_o be_v well_o employ_v unless_o it_o be_v first_o cloud_v with_o melancholy_a which_o as_o one_o well_o observe_v be_v not_o a_o reasonable_a case_n but_o when_o he_o grow_v remiss_a in_o his_o know_a duty_n or_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o some_o wilful_a sin_n or_o deviation_n from_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v ease_v of_o this_o trouble_n and_o to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o his_o integrity_n for_o the_o future_a be_v to_o return_v into_o the_o path_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o proceed_v vigorous_o in_o they_o the_o more_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n the_o more_o evident_a will_v our_o good_a condition_n be_v the_o far_a we_o pierce_v into_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n the_o more_o plain_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o our_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n that_o we_o be_v no_o long_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n 4.18_o col._n 1.13_o prov._n 4.18_o and_o translate_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o the_o shine_v light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n as_o the_o sun_n shine_v the_o bright_a the_o high_a he_o rise_v in_o the_o heaven_n so_o the_o light_n of_o the_o righteous_a his_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o comfort_n increase_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n by_o which_o he_o advance_v to_o the_o heavenly_a state_n 3._o let_v we_o consider_v that_o our_o mind_n be_v of_o that_o quick_a and_o active_a temper_n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o grow_v better_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o constant_a danger_n of_o decline_v in_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o grow_v worse_o something_o we_o must_v be_v do_v to_o quiet_a our_o restless_a desire_n and_o faculty_n and_o if_o we_o do_v serious_o mind_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n the_o tempter_n and_o our_o own_o heart_n will_v find_v we_o other_o employment_n and_o the_o world_n will_v inveigle_v we_o with_o gay_a promise_n and_o more_o charm_a invitation_n than_o any_o the_o gospel_n have_v to_o gratify_v our_o sensual_a inclination_n with_o if_o we_o once_o make_v a_o stop_n in_o our_o christian_a course_n we_o give_v our_o cunning_a adversary_n the_o devil_n a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o practise_v his_o wiles_n and_o delusion_n upon_o we_o he_o know_v the_o activity_n of_o our_o mind_n he_o observe_v which_o way_n our_o thought_n rove_v and_o our_o affection_n wander_v what_o duty_n be_v most_o tiresome_a to_o we_o and_o what_o vanity_n we_o most_o hanker_v after_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o lay_v his_o train_n and_o manage_v his_o temptation_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o have_v find_v the_o weak_a side_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o assault_v we_o where_o he_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o do_v the_o great_a execution_n upon_o we_o it_o therefore_o mighty_o concern_v we_o have_v begin_v prosperous_o to_o keep_v on_o the_o grow_v hand_n and_o not_o lose_v the_o ground_n we_o have_v gain_v and_o the_o conquest_n we_o have_v make_v over_o our_o lust_n and_o vice_n by_o stand_v still_o while_o we_o see_v they_o fall_v before_o we_o with_o our_o hand_n in_o our_o sleeve_n till_o the_o enemy_n renew_v the_o war_n and_o we_o be_v drive_v back_o from_o all_o our_o good_a resolution_n and_o be_v force_v to_o retire_v with_o shame_n and_o anguish_n to_o review_n the_o wound_v we_o receive_v in_o our_o dishonourable_a retreat_n from_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n 4._o we_o may_v next_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o lengthen_v out_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n unless_o we_o shorten_v it_o ourselves_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o may_v be_v always_o grow_v to_o great_a persection_n in_o it_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o ever_o he_o withdraw_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o we_o and_o make_v our_o day_n of_o grace_n short_a than_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n nothing_o but_o our_o incurable_a barrenness_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n can_v provoke_v he_o to_o so_o high_a a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o severity_n but_o that_o this_o will_v do_v it_o his_o declare_v upon_o oath_n that_o the_o revolt_a ifraelites_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n and_o our_o saviour_n curse_v the_o figtree_n that_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o leave_n let_v no_o fruit_n grow_v on_o thou_o hence_o forward_o for_o ever_o be_v very_o dreadful_a intimation_n this_o consideration_n therefore_o shall_v excite_v we_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n â—â—_o phil._n 1._o â—â—_o which_o be_v by_o jesus_n cnrist_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n who_o be_v please_v to_o wait_v for_o our_o improvement_n and_o to_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o ability_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o it_o and_o be_v so_o gracious_a as_o not_o to_o exact_a at_o once_o the_o whole_a sum_n in_o which_o we_o be_v indebt_v to_o he_o but_o accept_v our_o obedience_n in_o such_o small_a parcel_n and_o poor_a degree_n as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v he_o it_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a favour_n that_o god_n overlook_v the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o best_a service_n and_o allow_v we_o time_n and_o grace_n for_o a_o gradual_a improvement_n and_o this_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n of_o god_n if_o there_o be_v